Chapter 23: The Letter Arrives
The clatter of dishes and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables filled the Midoriya household. I stood at the sink, hands submerged in warm, soapy water, scrubbing a plate while my dad, Hisashi Midoriya, the long-lost father prepared lunch. The kitchen smelled of garlic and sizzling meat, a homey, comforting scent.
It had been a few days since he arrived, and things had settled into a somewhat predictable routine. Morning training, household chores, and awkwardly avoiding the house whenever my parents disappeared into their bedroom for some… "alone time."
Yeah. I don't want to think about it, but I have a sneaking suspicion that if this keeps up, I'm getting a little brother or sister in nine months.
Gross.
I focused on scrubbing the last dish, letting my mind drift. Honestly, Hisashi wasn't what I expected. In the anime, he was nothing more than a footnote, mentioned once and then erased from existence. But here? He was very much real. And weirdly enough, a good dad. He trained with me in the mornings, cooked, cleaned, and even gave solid advice.
It almost made me forget that this world was supposed to follow a predetermined script.
Almost.
"So," Hisashi said, breaking the silence, "you've got, what, a month before UA starts?"
"Yeah, give or take," I replied, rinsing a plate.
"And your goal?"
I smirked, flicking water off my fingers. "Number one, obviously."
He let out a short laugh. "Spoken like a real Midoriya." He tossed the chopped onions into the pan, the oil sizzling loudly. "You're strong, Izuku. But don't get complacent. Talent alone won't keep you at the top."
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Hard work, discipline, blah blah."
Hisashi snorted. "Damn, I was hoping to sound more inspiring."
I was about to respond when the sound of hurried footsteps made me turn. Inko practically sprinted into the kitchen, clutching a white envelope in her hands, her green eyes wide with excitement.
"Izuku! Hisashi! It's here!" she gasped, waving the envelope. "The letter from U.A.!"
For a moment, I just stared at it.
Oh.
Ohhh.
So it's finally happening.
The U.A. acceptance letter, the moment that would confirm whether or not my existence here had completely derailed the plot. In the anime, this was where Izuku had a heart-stopping moment, wondering if he'd even gotten in.
But me?
I already knew I'd smashed that exam.
I took a deep breath and wiped my hands on a towel. Hisashi had already turned off the stove, his usual smirk shifting into something more serious.
"Let's open it," Inko urged, practically bouncing on her feet.
We moved to the living room, and I sat on the couch, my parents flanking me on either side. The envelope felt heavier than it should've, probably because it wasn't just a simple acceptance letter. There would be a hologram chip or was it something else....
I carefully slid my finger under the seal and pulled out the contents. A small metallic disc fell onto the coffee table with a soft clink.
Here we go.
As expected, the moment the coin settled, a blue holographic projection flickered to life.
A familiar, booming voice filled the room.
"YOUNG MIDORIYA!"
I smirked as All Might's larger-than-life figure appeared, standing tall with his signature grin.
"I AM HERE, WITH A MESSAGE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE!"
Inko gasped, gripping my hand tightly. Hisashi, ever the cool guy, just leaned forward, watching intently.
"It is my honor to inform you that you, young Midoriya, have PASSED the U.A. Entrance Exam!"
Yeah, yeah, I figured. But let's hear the numbers.
"But that's not all!" All Might continued, "I imagine you are wondering about your results. Allow me to break it down for you."
A floating scoreboard materialized beside him.
Combat Points: 100
Rescue Points: 25
Total Score: 125
My smirk widened.
First place. Just as planned.
Inko let out a gasp, her free hand covering her mouth. Hisashi whistled lowly. "Damn, kid. You cleaned house."
"Your combat score is nothing short of phenomenal!" All Might praised. "You dominated the battlefield with precision and power! But that alone would not have secured your spot, young Midoriya! Because U.A. is not just about strength, it is about the heart of a hero!"
Right. The rescue points.
On-screen, footage played of me using my telekinesis to lift a fallen girl out of the debris, carrying her to safety before going back to annihilate more robots.
"For your selfless actions and quick thinking, the judges awarded you 25 rescue points," All Might continued. "With a total score of 125, you, young Midoriya, are the top scorer of this year's entrance exam! Congratulations!"
The hologram flickered, but All Might's grin remained steady.
"Welcome to U.A., young Midoriya! We expect great things from you! PLUS ULTRA!"
With that, the projection faded, leaving the room in stunned silence.
…Well. That was fun.
I glanced at my parents. Inko was crying.
"Oh, Izuku!" she sobbed, throwing her arms around me. "I'm so proud of you!"
I chuckled, hugging her back. "Thanks, Mom."
Hisashi, on the other hand, just leaned back, arms crossed, looking very pleased with himself. "First place, huh? You really went all out."
I shrugged. "Of course. If I'm going to do something, I might as well be the best at it."
Hisashi barked out a laugh and ruffled my hair. "That's my boy."
Inko wiped her tears and pulled me into another hug. "You're going to be a great hero, Izuku. I just know it."
Yeah. I was.
But unlike the original Izuku, I wasn't aiming to be some self-sacrificing martyr.
I had power. I had control.
And most importantly?
I had the knowledge of everything that was going to happen.
U.A. was just the first step.
This world had already changed just by me being here. And now?
It was time to take my place at the top.
I smirked. "Yeah. Plus Ultra."